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Yesterday I ventured in to the city.​

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I went with these two beauties-- and there was blue sky!

We ate thai food.​

We did a little shopping.

We ate fresh mint ice-cream outside (from Eat local).

Oh, and then we had a meeting.
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{Pssst! That's Penny Simkin. Author. Doula. Childbirth educator. (With 45 years of experience!!!!) Teacher at Seattle Midwifery. Simply put- she's one of my heroes. What a kind soul she is. I'm doing some work on reformatting my childbirth classes and her expertise is vast and valuable. For 90 minutes she graciously answered my questions and encouraged me. I was a little star-struck sitting there in her living room!}

And then we went home.​

Not bad for a Monday!​

bodies

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There is something so great about a body. A physical body. One that is familiar, one that you remember. A person with a scent, with arms, with a cheek you can press yours up against. A person with skin.

During my travel this past week I found myself in the midst of several reunions.  I came in contact with aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and then my very own little tribe when I returned home. It became strikingly clear to me that technology - though I'm so thankful for it- offers us an inadequate substitute for flesh and blood encounters. Sometimes I forget that it simply cannot communicate that which arms wrapping around, or hands grasping, or chests supporting, can convey in an embrace.

In a way, this need for touch (and it's irreplaceable effect) is almost too bittersweet to fully admit- especially when space, time, distance, age, miles... and someday death, threaten to separate you from the bodies and skin and outer packages of the people that you love.

I know that souls are important. I know that our souls live forever, but these bodies of ours can bring so much comfort. The deep longing to feel my mother's body near to me again has not diminished at all since her death nearly 20 years ago. I find myself trying harder to appreciate the moments when I am granted the privilege of physical proximity. I'm full of effort to memorize the crinkles around eyes, the iridescence of irises, the taper of shoulders, the length of fingers, the vibration of laughter. I attach myself firmly to these details drawing on them over and over again in times of separation.

Hoping, awaiting, longing for the next time... 

I've missed this little guy's body and spent the morning in reunion with it. Glad to be home safe and sound. Prayers for all of you on East coast.

Home

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From Hawaii to Pennsylvania. There was no going home for me in between. A total of 10 flights in 12 days. I have had an amazing vacation, it has been so restorative for me to be able to see desperately missed family and friends, enjoy the fall colors on the east coast, and soak up ALOT of valuable encouragement at Allume. But now, finally , I'm headed home- my trip cut short by hurricane Sandy. I'm anxious to sleep in my own bed, drink a decent cup of coffee (severely lacking in PA), and pull clothes from my dresser drawers rather than my suitcase. Just a few more hours before I hug all my babies!


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